Working as volunteers to establish a number of children’s centres in Africa was just one of the many adventures that led Susie and Graeme down the path of fostering.

Born and raised in the United Kingdom, Susie and Graeme trekked to various parts of the world, experiencing a variety of rich cultures together before settling down on the fringes of Adelaide.

A budding neighbourly connection between Lutheran Care Foster Carers on their street, gave the couple the opportunity to witness and a support a family fostering before deciding that the timing was right for them to enquire.

With two children of their own and a small animal kingdom inclusive of two ponies, two cows, four varieties of ducks, budgies, quail, a dog, a cat and a bearded dragon; the couple reflected on their blessings and their capacity, determining they had room to welcome others in and became approved Foster Carers with Lutheran Care in January 2021.

Lutheran Care support a growing and increasingly diverse community of fostering households of more than 240 foster families. The journey to fostering looks different for everyone. Often successful foster families will think about the decision to foster and the impact it will have on everyone in the household for many years before taking an official step to enquire with an agency.

Three years down the path, Susie and Graeme have provided Emergency, Short Term, Long Term and Respite care. As she reflects on this journey, Susie says there have been many joys, but also challenges in this season of life together.

“Since moving to Australia, we don’t have any blood relatives to lean or rely on,” Susie says.

“Our family network is comprised of the incredible people within the fostering community and we are extremely grateful for the proactive and supportive fostering community around us.

“We are a very outdoors family and love our camping trips and new experiences. A standout trip for us was a holiday to the Flinders Ranges in our camper trailer with five children. Life is an adventure and memories are always being made.”

When asked how they would encourage others thinking about fostering, Susie says “be brave, be bold and believe in yourself.”

It takes a village to raise a child and Lutheran Care believes that a child can never have too many people love them.

Lutheran Care invites you to get in touch or register to attend an upcoming information session if you’re interested in learning more about Foster Care. The journey to fostering looks different for everyone and there is equal variety in the experience of fostering itself.

You never know where the path could take you, but Lutheran Care’s dedicated Foster Care team is here to guide and support you every step of the way.

Be the Village. Find out more about fostering here.